Soon after I got my 09 Sahara, I ordered my Cat-back exhaust and went to my local dealer to pick up my Mopar CAI. First I installed the CAI, then a few days later the exhaust. For those few days that I had the CAI alone, it did as stated several times above; it increased throttle response and sounded great (more growl). However, I didn't see any change in MPG.

Once I added my Cat-back, the two of them seem to work better together. This would make since, just like the old days, that increasing the amount of air IN, works best when you also increase the (ability) amount of air OUT.

Then after several months (once released) I installed the SC Flashpaq tuner, and now running the three of them, CAI, Cat-back, and SC (91 tune), they make; more power, more torque, more sound, more throttle response, and more growl (not ricey).

Seriously, I wouldn't recommend doing just one of these as I think you will be disappointed with the gap between your intended gains and the actual gains. Do all three and I think you will find what you are looking for without going overboard in $$$.

 

It's all butt dyno and snake oil

 

I totally agree with what SBK just said. Full benefits will not be realized unless you address interrelated components. The limiting factor is still the throttle body and Y pipe, while sensors really limit what can be gained without a programmer. An exhaust and an intake upgrade will out perform the total of what the two can do individually.

Despite the relative effectiveness of exhaust and intake upgrades the minimal gains suggest going with the more budget conscious routes. Drop in high flow filter and a muffler relocation kit gets you where you want to go for the cost of an air intake or cat back exhaust system.

 

Yep, Snake Oil when we hear of 10hp gains and on the exhaust side where some manufacturer claimed an 18hp gain.

However, I do believe that there are gains to be had and with an intake, it's primarily in throttle response as there is higher pressure in the intake tube. Nominal for certain and at the back end the MAP sensor is going to contribute to throttle body position. WOT is where the most benefit is realized, but myself like others don't normally mash the throttle like that.

 

Look at the bright side; at least it's not "butt oil and a snake dyno".

 

Get a snorkel with a drop in filter. That is the only true CAI I have seen. I have wasted my money on a CAI and am kicking myself. $200 more and I could have had a snorkel.

 

A Snorkel offers functionality, not performance.

 

A 20' tube has twice the resistance of a 10' tube of the same diameter. A Snorkel tube is 3-5x longer than the stock intake tube or CAI. You also have the chicken swallowing snake form of the air path with the stock air box, which cause a loss of velocity. When the air finally gets to the throttle body it has more negative pressure than with a CAI. Since throttle position is in part determined by manifold pressure, the throttle blade would be less open on a CAI.

 

All the "CAI" out there show very minimal performance gains. I am just saying, why waste money on crap when you can get something you might need. I am not trying to get in any arguments. I am just giving some advise that I wish someone had given me.

 

and likewise I am only suggesting that if you buy a snorkel buy it for it's functionality as you won't be gaining a performance advantage.

It's all good, and I'm certainly not looking to get into an argument either.